Wondering Heights

Wondering Heights is a community arts project running throughout July 2025 as part of Bradford's City of Culture celebrations. Conceived by artist Lucy Barker, the project combines Emily Brontë's literary heritage with Kate Bush's musical interpretation of Wuthering Heights to create a participatory experience centered on the Yorkshire moors.

Described as a "mass dance meditation" and "micro-pilgrimage," the project invites participants to engage with the moorland around Bradford through movement, imagination, and creativity. The initiative draws on research showing that imagining rhythmic movement can trigger physiological responses similar to actual dancing, allowing for inclusive participation regardless of physical ability or location. Working with access consultant Kelsie Acton, Wondering Heights emphasizes multiple pathways for participation through movement, imagination, walking, or simply engaging with the concept.

The project takes direct inspiration from Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and the Yorkshire landscape that shaped her writing. The moors around Bradford and Haworth were central to Brontë's work, serving as both setting and character in her novel. Wondering Heights aims to connect contemporary participants with this literary landscape through a dance routine inspired by Kate Bush's iconic Wuthering Heights choreography. Demo videos are available in both seated and standing versions, and free workshops are scheduled for July 5th and 23rd in Bradford.

At the center of the project is a hand-drawn map created by cartographer Chris Goddard, featuring four walking routes: Lucy's Dream (2km), a circular route near Denholme Gate designed for accessibility; Thornton Village (6.7km); Ogden Water (2.6km); and Denholme (3.4km). The map is available online and as limited-edition risograph prints from locations including the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, Bradford 2025 Ticket Office, and South Square Café in Thornton. 

Participants can engage with the project in various ways, from exploring the map routes and learning the dance through online videos or workshops to sharing creative responses through an online gallery or social media using #WonderingHeights. The project actively seeks to reach those who cannot physically access the moorland and encourages flexible engagement that works for each individual's circumstances and abilities. Organizers are also looking for "Em-Bush-adors" to help spread awareness and encourage sharing the invitation with community groups and individuals who might enjoy participating.

For complete information about Wondering Heights, visit the project website or download the full PDF guide.